IGNITE's Blog

Judge Constance Baker Motley changed the course of history forever. In addition to  serving in many positions and championing justice and equality throughout her life, she made many legal landmarks possible. Learn more about Judge Motley’s life and phenomenal contributions below. 

From unsung heroes to the famed Ava DuVernay, Black women play a vital role in society and have extraordinary stories to share. Check out these shows and movies that center Black women and tell the stories that deserve to be heard. 

Black women make up the fabric of America, but their stories have gone untold for far too long. From leading the Civil Rights Movement to creating the foundation for the modern-day GPS, these are 10 Black women who weren’t in your history books, but should be. 

Ibtihaj Muhammad, an Olympic medalist in fencing, made history in 2016 as the first American to wear a hijab while competing. This fencer and activist has been breaking barriers and advancing the profile of all Muslim-American athletes for years. 

When reflecting on our foremothers in civil rights, we tend to hone in on Rosa Parks and the stance she made. While Parks was definitely influential in the Montgomery, Alabama Bus Boycotts, Claudette Colvin preceded her in refusing to give up her seat on a bus.

Photo credit: MPR News/Hamline University

In more than a six decade-long phenomenal career, Anna Arnold Hedgeman was a civil rights activist, educator, and writer, but most profoundly, a lifelong advocate for justice and equality. Anna Arnold Hedgeman was the only woman on the executive committee for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963, a crucial part of the civil rights movement. 

History has shown us time and time again that Black women are the unsung heroes. During Black History Month, we challenge you to only read books written by Black women. Check out some of the reads recommended by Black women and written by Black women. You can purchase these books from Black-owned bookstores which we’ve linked at the end. 

During the first week of January, Cori Bush was sworn in as the first Black Congresswoman representing Missouri. A few days later, she faced a Capitol Building riot that shocked the entire nation. Bush swiftly rose to action, as she has always done for her city of St. Louis. 

Black women are the fabric of America and have helped shape history in countless ways. Judge Jane Bolin is an unforgettable name when we talk about those extraordinary Black women. Continue reading to learn about Judge Jane Bolin, a hero who broke glass ceilings in her field.   

Known for her authorship and advances in Black feminism, Anna Julia Cooper née Anna Julia Haywood is one of the many Black women to know, love, and celebrate this month and every month. Keep reading to learn more about Anna Julia Cooper.